Pastor Urges Congregation To Give Up Social Media For Lent

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Everywhere you go, people are online on Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media, but one local pastor is challenging his congregation to a special Lenten sacrifice.

"We've asked our congregation for Lent as part of it to give up social media for three, four days," Dr. William Curtis, pastor of Mount Ararat Baptist Church said. "It's going to be hard for me because I practically live on Twitter."

He is not alone.

Jon Delano tweeted, "Anybody giving up Twitter or Facebook for Lent?"

Megan Fletcher of East Liberty responded.

Delano: "What are you giving up this year for Lent?"

Fletcher: "Twitter, and I'm going to cut down on Facebook."

Delano: "Why?"

Fletcher: "I spend too much time on the computer as it is."

But others are not so sure, one person tweeted he'd go through serious withdrawal and another saying that would be harder than giving up chocolate.

At the Coffee Tree in Shadyside, some thought it might be good to try.

"I need to give up the internet for Lent – that would really get me in touch again with nature," said Kavin Paulraj of Shadyside.

But others questioned the loss.

"I feel like I might be missing out on some connections with some friends during that time," said Maddie MacMordo of Shadyside.

"I'm on Facebook, I use it daily and it's good for me both personally and professionally," Jan Shaw of Fox Chapel said.

Matthew Wein of Squirrel Hill says he could cut back 40 days but, "I'm Jewish. I don't have to worry about Lent or anything like that. It's not an issue for me."

But as for Christians, Pastor Curtis warns, "I don't think I will be purposefully policing, but let's say I might every now and then go on and just see."

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